The international chess tournament "Acropolis 2008" commenced on Saturday, August 9th, with the participation of 84 chessplayers from 22 countries. "Acropolis" is Greece's longest-standing traditional competitive chess event, with its 23rd edition taking place this year.

For the second consecutive year the Greek Chess Federation is joined in the organization of the event by the Prefecture of Athens, thanks to the interest expressed by Prefect Mr. Giannis Sgouros, a politician with exceptional contribution to greek sports.

The valuable contribution of the Prefecture of Athens supports the GCF's efforts for the development and popularization of chess and reveals the interest of the prefectural authorities for those cultural - athletic events that both contribute to the improvement of our every-day life and showcase the city of Athens on an international scale.

Sponsor of the event is the Hellenic Post Bank.

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This year's "Acropolis" tournament, like its previous edition, is part of the series of events of the Association of Professional Chessplayers (ACP), under the heading of "ACP TOUR 2008-2009". It is carried out as a mixed event for men and women, with a limited number of invited players.

25 male and female grandmasters participate in the tournament, headed by last year's winner, Israeli Ilia Smirin. Other participants that stand out are the Ukrainian grandmaster Oleg Romanishin, German Alexander Graf, top female chessplayers Natalia Zhukova (Ukraine), Elina Danielian (Armenia) and Nana Dzagnidze (Georgia) and talented 16-year-old Ivan Salgado Lopez from Spain. Greek participants include the members of the National Men's and Women's Teams, Greek Junior and Girls' Champions as well as several strong chessplayers.

The event is held at President Hotel (43 Kifissias Avenue, "Europa" Hall) and will last until August 17th. Starting time everyday is 17.00' (14.00' at 17/8). Admittance for spectators is free. The event is covered by the GCF website (www.chessfed.gr/acropolis2008) with results, standings, games, photos as well as live transmission of the most important games of each round.

International Arbiter Ulysses Vazelakis, member of the Board of the GCF, is the Tournament Director, while the duties of the Chief Arbiter are carried out by International Arbiter Christos Pilalis, Deputy Secretary of the GCF.